If You

Someday

Emily twisted her ring around her finger as she watched the sun come up and cast the world in a pale pink light. She knew that most brides didn't sleep the night before their wedding, but instead of nerves or excitement she found herself puzzling over the future, disjointed thoughts darting through her head like mental flashes of light. Where will we live? I miss Mom. I should schedule extra tutoring for when we get back. Dad should've told me about his surgery. I hope Jiyong slept. It's so cold for March. What if Mattie does something stupid at the reception?

She turned away from the window to glance at the clock. Five-thirty. I should shower.

She padded over to the bathroom and turned on the shower, the sound of running water filling the early morning silence. At her apartment she would've had to wait several minutes for hot water, but Jiyong had insisted on bringing her to his house, a gorgeous brick mansion that sat near the city. Emily had only been there once before, and had honestly forgotten it existed, but Jiyong wanted her to think of it as her home. And what a home, she thought, looking at the beautifully tiled walls as the bathroom filled with steam. She showered slowly, letting the hot water cascade over her skin until her whole body was bright pink and beads of condensation had formed on every hard surface, then she wrapped herself in a soft robe and dried her hair as the sun cleared the horizon and filled her room with brilliance. The shower had settled her mind a little, but the wedding was still several hours away and the quiet house seemed deafening. I'll make some coffee, she decided.

She left her room and walked down a long hallway to a staircase that swept down to a red and gold foyer, all of which seemed under an enchanted sleep as she crept through. The kitchen was just past the dining room, and she quickly found the Keurig machine sitting beside the refrigerator. She brewed a strong cup and sipped it black, wrinkling her nose at bitter taste.

"I thought I heard you."

Emily started violently. "Don't do that," she said, turning around, "unless you want a bride with coffee burns."

"I'm sorry," Jiyong apologized as he leaned against the door frame. "Did you sleep well?"

"Did you sleep at all?" she countered.

Jiyong merely smiled. "I like having you here," he murmured, "it's like all this house lacked was you."

"Don't get mushy on me," she teased, though her cheeks warmed pleasantly. "Shouldn't you wait to see me until the ceremony?"

"And miss this?" he said, jutting his chin at the lightening sky outside. His robe hung open, revealing his bare chest as he folded his arms loosely. His eyes traveled over her slowly, as if he was trying to memorize her. "I'd marry you right now, in this kitchen," he whispered.

"You're getting mushy again," she replied with a smile. She walked over to him and nestled her head on his chest, breathing him in as his arms encircled her, then she kissed him gently. "You've got shadows under your eyes," he said concernedly. "Are you worried about something?"

"I'm not worried, just a little... preoccupied," she admitted. "Our future has so many moving parts, and I can't seem to stop thinking about it."

Jiyong took her hands in his and looked her in the eye. "Then let me make you a vow right now," he said, smiling at her. "I promise that no matter what happens or where either of us go, I will always make sure you are safe and happy." He paused, something seeming to weigh heavily on his tongue. "And I'm sorry," he said finally, "about the tour, and the enlistment, and-"

"Don't," she said, putting a finger to his lips. "No apologies today, okay?"

He nodded and she smiled again. "You are following your dreams and serving your country," she reminded him, "and I promise to share you with both, as much as I can."